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Converging (AlexEchoRat) by echoroom [Email]
Genre: Art Rock

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SONG STATS:
Hits: 1374
Comments: 100
Votes:
Plays: 329
Last Played: Oct 01, 2008 - 04:36:26 PM
Downloads: 72
Fans: 32
Uploaded: Sep 14, 2007 - 02:59:17 AM
Last Updated: Sep 16, 2007 - 09:46:06 AM
Fan List
Keywords:
Alex Weiler (3), RaceRat (10), EchoRoom (12), Crash (20)
Description:
This song was initially posted by Alex Weiler (check out his page - his work is fantastic), who writes fantastically dark, powerful electronic music.
I was really hesitant about trying to put vocals to this, as the track worked so well without them. Eventually we worked on this, and got it into good shape... then I thought, as I always do these days "Hmmm, what would this be like if Philip (Racerat) put some guitar on this" (nudged along this train of thought by Mr. B. Dorsey, Florida).

Philip also mixed this, which frankly left both Alex and I slack jawed.

A great collab experience ... this sounds like the first track on an album to me, and I'd like to hear the rest of the album.

Lyrically, this was inspired by Alex's direction "Travelling without destination', and by David Cronenberg's movie 'Crash'.... oh, and a bit of TS Eliot.

This is a dark little journey... hope you enjoy the ride.

Lyrics:
Converging

Buzing on the radio
We're always on the edge of something.
Take a ride where no cars go
Body humming like an engine.

And there will be no warning
We are children of the crash
We will come together
In the chrome and broken glass.
Then gone ...

Just a stone thrown at the world
You always hit the end of something.
Take a ride where no road goes;
A whole nation born in motion.
Autobahn of endless night,
Destiny on automatic
Fell the touch of cold airbag
Warm metal, sheen and static.

And there will be no warning
We are children of the crash
We will come together
In the chrome and broken glass.

Then gone ...

Converging, now.

Red light, green light!

Pushed and pulled in a crumpled suit
City lights that hypnotise
Take part in your ascension
Wearing holes in the fabric of design.

And everything will
Be well
Your revenge, in the end ,will
Be all well
Be all well
Be all well.



Hardware:
Keyboards anf guitars and stuff

Software:
Logic E and P
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Yeowzers! &mdash 09/14/07 - 03:42:28 AM
I think you caught the spirit of this piece in those lyrics Steve. Fab collab! Awesome sounds throughout!

Be well!

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Spirit &mdash 09/14/07 - 04:33:41 AM
Thanks Mike - everyone brought something of their own to this party - a multinational collab!

steve

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VERY NICE JOB ! &mdash 09/14/07 - 03:57:26 AM
Steve, this is very nice work, the guitar sounds really well .. The piano is my favorite in the background with the whole instrument, don't have something i don't like it about this piece my friend ! Enjoyed

Take Care
==============
Yeman Auf Al-Rawi

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My PIANO! &mdash 09/14/07 - 04:38:36 AM
Hey Yeman - many thanks for this' cause the piano was my only musical addition to this track... it of course makes the track complete (yeah, right).

Fortunately, i was surrounded by musical savants on this track, to disguise my bad playing!

cheers

steve

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That chorus is... &mdash 09/14/07 - 04:27:56 AM
...your most Bowiefied moment to date (and you have a few let's face it!) Which isn't to detract from its brilliance, of course.

Ok, so no-one has to mention Bowie now:-))

You're right - it is a very dark little journey, but with lyrical light at the end of the tunnel, in the final "Be all well's"?

I love the lines:

Pushed and pulled in a crumpled suit
City lights that hypnotise
Take part in your ascension
Wearing holes in the fabric of design.

Wish I'd written that!

It a cracking submission. Great playing and production. I need to let it sink in with a few more listens though, as there's a lot going on. DL'd so I can do just that.

Great stuff all round.
Cheers,
Phil



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Dave again! &mdash 09/14/07 - 04:41:34 AM
Not Bowie again.

Actually, i was saying to my wife that I just dont get the Bowie thing.... then Philip sent the mix of this,and i said:

'Sheeit, that DOES sound like Bowie'.

I think this takes a while to sink in ... it's a grower, not a grabber, but it will get under your skin... like an ugly little rash!

cheers Phil

steve

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Previous to this... &mdash 09/14/07 - 06:29:59 AM
...I didn't get the Bowie thing, to be honest. I know it's a common comparison, but I've never been so sure.

But this does have certain amount of ziggy stardust about it.

Right - moving on - no more Dave - honest:-)

Phil

---
Same Same, But Different

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Is that &mdash 09/14/07 - 06:43:48 PM
Angie or Iman?

;-)

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It's no surprise! &mdash 09/14/07 - 04:32:59 AM
I have yet to hear anything that you've done or collaborated on that I didn't like Steve! Kudos to all parties involved and I thoroughly enjoyed the ride indeed, thanks much! AlexEchoRat? Sounds like a virtual band name to me.

;-Peace,

Alvin

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Hey Alvin &mdash 09/14/07 - 04:45:24 AM
.. you been away for a while... feels like it!

If I could retire now, I'd get these guys into a studio and make one great album then retire

As it is, I'm content being a weekend rockstar, and working with guys this talented!

thanks man

steve

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SO GOOD! &mdash 09/14/07 - 05:30:05 AM
I must admit Bowie popped into my mind before I read the above comments...a total cool comparison in my book:) Fab lyrics and great work to all involved, this one was meant to be. I am a fan for sure.

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Kis my face &mdash 09/14/07 - 11:48:07 AM
Thanks KIS - I've recently got into your work, and it's been a real find.

Bowie haunts me... but here, even i have to admit it mauy be justified.

All involved thank you for listening, and for you kind words.

steve

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Children of the Crash &mdash 09/14/07 - 06:02:50 AM
This is a fantastic song. I loved it as Alex's original version and was amazed, but not surprised what happened to it when you and Phil got your hands on it. I'm still waiting to hear what Alex has to say! I bet he's blown away like the rest of us.

Great work guys! It just keeps getting better and better and better.



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I love it! &mdash 09/14/07 - 11:35:52 AM
Since I was involved until the end i can say, that this was fantastic and pretty intense collab. I'm absolutely happy about how the song has developed! Thanks to Steve for having the great idea to get Phil involved in the second instance. Both did a superb job. Be prepared ... further songs might follow ...

alex

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match maker &mdash 09/14/07 - 11:51:19 AM
Now Bob, you know you did some behind the scenes working, getting us alltogether... MJs own little love connector!

If I ever get divorced, i KNOW you'll be able to hook me up with someone!

steve

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ooops &mdash 09/14/07 - 11:58:14 AM
Wrong reply ... that was to Bob.

Alex - this was a great collab, and not the last...we have to finish the album!

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album &mdash 09/14/07 - 04:53:55 PM
steve, i'll take you at your word ... we just have to settle on the release date ;)

alex

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Cupid In The Liner Notes &mdash 09/14/07 - 01:17:16 PM
You know me, I always try to take full credit for great successes, and well, like so many of your other songs, I can't help but feel 100% responsible for the success of this one too.

Actually, my only real goal here is to get in the liner notes of every successful MacJams supergroup.

Since I can't sing, I ain't pretty and my legs are many, I'll just keep trying my best to seek out talents that work well together and force them to collaborate. As I recall, it took about 20 separate emails to get you guys together and do this song the right way!

Seriously, I enjoyed witnessing the metamorphosis of this song. Every new element added, caused each of you to react and build upon it again and again. It really did get better and better.

And Steve, I don't think your wife is going to ever get rid of you. She probably enjoys shopping with your credit card while your sitting in front of your computer all weekend long. It sounds like a pretty good deal to me.

Phil, your guitar is perfect. You shred.

Alex, you are working with some fun guys who really have a lot to offer.

Congratulations guys.


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shred &mdash 09/14/07 - 07:50:28 PM
Thanks Bob for getting us all together. Certainly worth the 20 emails I think. Thx also for the kind words on my axe grinding. My favorite parts are the bass harmonics that pulse through it as percussion. It was fun!

---
-Philip

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Group hug &mdash 09/15/07 - 01:06:39 AM
Being in virtual groups is just as good as real ones, and you dont have to sit in the back of a transit van.


I actually spend more on stuff than Rachel, so she's either doubly understanding, or definately gonna divorce me!

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Group Hug &mdash 09/18/07 - 06:36:28 PM
....and what is that smell in the back of the bus?

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Thanks at third hand, Bob! &mdash 09/15/07 - 05:51:22 AM
i fully agree to all of your words, it's great fun and honour to work with the two guys. In this case procuring should be rewarded.



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A great collab experience &mdash 09/14/07 - 06:41:12 AM
That is for sure, can't find words... Simply love what you guys have done. Kudos.

D-load:D)

Take care
---
Kenta

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Hey Kenta &mdash 09/14/07 - 12:00:39 PM
many thanks, and I wish you and Mrs Kenta well!

steve

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might fine &mdash 09/14/07 - 07:28:59 AM
collab......interesting textures........sonically adventurous......and kool i might add.....!

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Thanka MB &mdash 09/15/07 - 01:13:14 AM
you taught me well in working with multi collabs... the stabilisers are off!

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Yes &mdash 09/14/07 - 07:30:46 AM
another great collab. Very original sounding and everyones part extremely well done. Lovely lyrics that could be expanded into a film script.
Cheers
Len



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Spooky face &mdash 09/15/07 - 01:15:36 AM
A lot of the lyrics were written in the Pret on Marble Arch on a friday morning, watching the human traffic go about their business. And my stuff is full of film references! Ta Len... w'll be working with Bob soon, hopefully!

steve

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That ending &mdash 09/14/07 - 07:31:06 AM
I like it - it's like it all comes to a.....crash!

I wish I had heard the original, 'cause it sounds like my kind of thing. I'll have to listen to Alex's music soon.

I hear a little piano in there I liked (I was wondering if that was you), then I read in the comments that IS you. Great.

I think you're dead on when you say this could be a first track on an album. It has the right energy.

I don't think it's a grower, I think it's an instant grabber. And I'm gonna say that's Alex's doing, 'cause his piece sounds great.

Your voice is intense and gorgeous as always, and I like how RaceRat has blended your voice into the woodworks. I'm used to hearing you way up front (a blessing), but somehow, this piece needs the vocals to be a part of the score, especially given the crash chrome meets human theme in the lyrics, which are...what else...great. I like "chrome and broken glass"

You know, I heard Cronenberg has a new film, and from what it sounds like, I really want to see it.

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Yeah... &mdash 09/15/07 - 01:21:50 AM
... the other guys pplayed ok, but the piano makes it. Cronenbergs latest opens the london film festival, so i'll be there!

I tried to get the guys to make the structure more obvious, and put another chorus in.. phil did this, and it was rubbish... it took me a while to understand the structure, but i really like how it flows.

Weird lyric... crash as a metaphor for sex and birth... i'm still getting new stuff out of this!

hope Bjork was good!

lol

steve

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Nice one &mdash 09/14/07 - 07:34:25 AM
Really good vibe to this

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Hey bryn... &mdash 09/15/07 - 01:24:01 AM
... i thought this was an odd track.

Then i heard Chicago dogs!

Cant wiat to hear it!

steve

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coooool &mdash 09/14/07 - 09:10:23 AM
what cool lyrics in the midst of exciting, swirling, darkly intense music. truly awesome vocals, steve - you nailed that hi harmony so nicely. phil - my hat's off to your definitely dynamic mix. this cooks, gents - anne

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Cooks &mdash 09/15/07 - 01:28:30 AM
Having listened to Out of Time, i really appreacite your comments on MY harmonies! Luckily for us, 3 was the magic number!

Thanks Sister!

stev

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wow &mdash 09/14/07 - 10:00:10 AM
This is outstanding, musically, lyrically and vocally. No matter who you may sound like (I won't say it!), the vocals are fabulous! Lots of energy, perfect mix. Great job guys!

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Ooops &mdash 09/15/07 - 01:30:42 AM
Hey Colin - many thanks... steady on that trike though, we dont want any crashes!

steve

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don't worry, &mdash 09/15/07 - 10:47:16 AM
that photo was from 1969. I quit riding that trike 3 years ago.

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warm leatherette &mdash 09/14/07 - 10:57:28 AM
I envy you for your (and your accomplices') ability to turn everything into skycraping/superhighwaying epic songs. Best car song since Ride's 'Drive Blind'.

Feels like bit like this passage at the end of Crash when they're driving on LSD.

you couldn't help that arcade fire wink, could you ?

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Epic &mdash 09/15/07 - 01:33:33 AM
I think it's cause I come from the 80's , where epic was in... i struggle with kinda restrained stuff... maybe i should do a piano ballad?

I knew you'd get the arcade fire ref!

Is it as good as 'leave it all behind', though?

steve

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Nice collab &mdash 09/14/07 - 12:12:47 PM
Good vocals and harmonies Steve, and nice writing. Funny, I was just thinking of "Crash" recently too... this has got a nice mood to it. Well done!

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Crashed &mdash 09/15/07 - 01:36:50 AM
i actually watched whilst doing the lyrics for this... not a film i watch a lot, but it's always stayed with em... uncomfortable viewing... now, off to check out your latest!

steve

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Strong Stuff &mdash 09/14/07 - 02:51:35 PM
You are playing well on all levels here. The vocals are starting to sound more like you and better for it! The instrumental mix is rocking and well varied. Will I be hearing this on a radio station near me???


Thanks
Bill

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Alt radio &mdash 09/15/07 - 01:42:56 AM
... only if i move near you and set up KLM EKO, the sounds of suffering! Thanks Bill... very much enjoyed your latest.

steve

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really nice &mdash 09/14/07 - 04:58:53 PM
i love your voice in this one. and what a melody. you gotta clue me in on how you did all of that cool vocal production, did you use a bunch of partial vocal tracks with different effects and then just mix them in and out? i'm really blown away by how great this sounds.

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My voice.. &mdash 09/15/07 - 01:45:11 AM
.. naturally sounds like that. Naw, they were treated by Alex and Phil, i've lost track of who did what... personally, I want the logic folder to see how this was done too!

Guys - can you answer this one... it's beyond me!

steve

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vocal treatments &mdash 09/15/07 - 05:25:29 AM
i'll have to take a deeper look into the final mix, too. Phil did it and surely he changed a few settings. But i can tell you, that steve's part consists of at least 8 vocal tracks (falsettos, main voxes, spoken parts, a.s.o.) that all were treated differently (e.g. some parts went through a guitar amplifier, i doubled some tracks and placed them slightly time-shifted, delayed, slightly compressed, EQed and even spreaded). Before i started I peeked into some music (production) magazines and watched out for advices in some music forums. In order to get an idea how to treat steve's voice, i listened to some Depeche Mode songs ... this has become of it.

Phil is very skilled on this. Maybe can give you helpful advices, too.

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MacJams Odyssey &mdash 09/14/07 - 05:08:21 PM
Nice work from all. Great song, Great mix.

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If Willard... &mdash 09/15/07 - 01:49:41 AM
... had a boat instaed of a car, this woulda soundtracked his journey.

Thanks man

steve

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Well put together &mdash 09/14/07 - 05:09:54 PM
Really infectious chorus, digging the guitars as well very organic song considering how this was put together seems like a jam from the start!
good job guys

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Tom returns &mdash 09/15/07 - 01:58:34 AM
When we gonna hear something new from you???
Thanks Tom... this really was a collab effort, and is the product of our three way union... amazing how this came together, considering the distances involed.

God bless the internet!

steve

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I think the band shoul be called &mdash 09/14/07 - 07:29:31 PM
Midas Touch - evreything turns to gold with you and Philip these days - and Alex really g=brought the goods to this one. But of course we owe it all to Bob Dorsey he he. Didn't he introduce Milli to Vanilli? Really though - your vocals are at an all time high here and I sense some of that has to do with Racerat's skills. Excellent guitars, writing, production - just killer.

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Hey Bud &mdash 09/15/07 - 02:07:41 AM
Phil put my voice through the 'Bowieiser' again... wich he'd stop doing it. It's odd working with Phil.. it's like starting to go out with someone... first you have a few dates, then you want to be with them all the time. Alex has been around the site some time, and i hope this raises his profile, as i love his work...the three of us will be reteaming in the near future.

thanks man

steve

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Let us go then, you and I... &mdash 09/14/07 - 07:30:30 PM
...when the evening is stretched out against the sky...like a meter pegged and in the red...

No, wait.

This sounds completely professional and solid to me. Headphone candy all the way. Lots going on, and nothing in the way of anything else.

Tremendous vocal. Trying...not...to...say...'Bowie'... Doesn't matter. Just listening to it gets me thinking about vocal approaches and vocal processing and how to even think about it all...

This'll be another one that starts strong and somehow grows on me even so...

Shantih.
Shantih.
Shantih.

A cool one.

Ed

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l E OT &mdash 09/15/07 - 02:11:10 AM
hey Ed... I used Shantih in Breathing water, so didnt want to reuse it so soon. The end is 'inspired' by Four Quartetes;:

and everything will be well, adn all manner of things will be well.

I havent raided 'Cats' yet!.

The mix on this, i think, is stunning... there's a lot going on, but it doesnt get messy...i dunno how Philip does it!

steve

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Oh yeah. &mdash 09/14/07 - 07:31:32 PM
Needs an ultra-cool graphic element.

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Good point! &mdash 09/15/07 - 02:15:22 AM
Alex and Phil both work in graphics... come on guys.. do i have to do everything??!!

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Until now ... &mdash 09/15/07 - 05:29:34 AM
i didn't know anything about Phil's graphical background.
Surely this will be fixed soon.



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Good job! &mdash 09/14/07 - 07:34:23 PM
Great vibe, great performances and a top-notch mix.
This could be the lost track from "Outside", except it's free from all the digital overload from that era...
Great!

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It pains me to say it.. &mdash 09/15/07 - 02:18:00 AM
... but I thought 'Outside' too when i heard the mix of this... whicj i thought was ace, as i love that album! Blame my voice.

Thanks jim, for making me share that guilty lil secret!

steve

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It pains me to say it.. &mdash 09/15/07 - 02:18:04 AM
... but I thought 'Outside' too when i heard the mix of this... whicj i thought was ace, as i love that album! Blame my voice.

Thanks jim, for making me share that guilty lil secret!

steve

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collab heaven &mdash 09/14/07 - 07:57:51 PM
Steve and Alex did a great job on this. Steve's vocals and piano are stellar as usual. Alex's drums and synth work was the armature that started the whole sculpture, as it were. Alex had some amazing mixing suggestions that brought it all together at the end where we all instantaneously felt that it was "finished" which doesn't happen very often. (especially when you're working with Steve....ha ha...just kiddin'!)

It was a really complex song to work on actually-- in structure-- and really pushed my personal abilities, but Steve and Alex were immensely patient. Thanks guys. This was a blast to do!

Dick Dale meets David Lynch.....

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P N O &mdash 09/15/07 - 02:21:04 AM
Yup, it's definately my one fingered piano that makes this baby!
And you know songs are always in progress ... and if we had a third chorus... naw, it was a crap idea, thank you for indulging me!

I think my wife thinks we're having an affair.... whaddya doing... er, just sending something to/ just got something from Phil!

You da man!!!

steve

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Affairs &mdash 09/15/07 - 06:19:28 AM
my girl kept a jealous watch over me, too.

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ladies in our life.. &mdash 09/15/07 - 09:05:31 AM
... they're all macjams widows!

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sweat and honour &mdash 09/15/07 - 06:16:23 AM
phil, i fear that i made you sweat a little with that 102 (?) tracks in Logic ;) Blame it to my childhood and the fact, that i have great straits with making decisions.

Again: You did a great job on converging!

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any scars? &mdash 09/14/07 - 10:50:04 PM
Lyrically I see the Cronenberg film flash before my eyes.God Knows how you would write up Naked Lunch.

Cool electromagnetism that this all pulls in, and together.

Steve you have a most defined voice that is your own. David who?

Excellent work all.

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not that you'd like to see! &mdash 09/15/07 - 02:24:36 AM
Naked lunch...hmm, may give that a go, tho' it's not really one of his best

The more i look at your avatar, the cleverer it gets!

steve

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Really &mdash 09/15/07 - 06:14:29 AM
dark and powerfull - I'm hearing more Bauhaus than Bowie on this one - great guitars. Loved it!

Peter

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Ha! &mdash 09/15/07 - 09:10:22 AM
Thanks Peter, glad you enjoyed this. I was into Bauhaus before bowie, actually... I can hear what you mean... the 80's still haunt me.

cheers

steve

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this is a greaat collab &mdash 09/15/07 - 11:45:10 AM
3 great ones on this song!!!
Everything soundz perfect ...
Your inspiration is allucinating...
Great job

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crafted &mdash 09/16/07 - 02:34:31 AM
thanks man ... it was an inspiration working with these guys!
Glad you liked it

steve

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Dark journeys, excellent ride &mdash 09/15/07 - 07:41:32 PM
Stunning work from everyone. Steve, your singing kicks ass, man. Alex's music is deluxe, and Philip made a balanced, powerful mix. What's not to like; the whole thing is top notch. Nice work, gentlemen.

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Ta mixmaster &mdash 09/16/07 - 02:38:42 AM
Coming from you, Dave, that's high praise indeed ... your latest made my head spin and frontal lobe sing

lol

steve

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I really &mdash 09/16/07 - 10:53:46 AM
love your voice you kinda sound like early David Bowie and lovein the piano in this track ......nice tune !

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So I never &mdash 09/16/07 - 10:58:28 AM
Read comments till the end of listening and posting a song cause I want my ideas to be fresh and not guided by others and so yea you do sound like Bowie and that is a good thing !

---

"A culture given birth by inner city youth in the mid-70's, consisting of four basic elements (graffiti, breakdancing, DJing and MCing) and a creative ideology"

Grand Masta Caz


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Mr Toast &mdash 09/16/07 - 01:10:30 PM
Thanks man - glad you liked the collab ... you and Bud are cookin something special too!

steve

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Converging &mdash 09/16/07 - 01:34:57 PM
Art ...I always respect this word when
the music emphasis it well ..this song
it right so .. great singin ...perfect
Guitar work ..the arrangemnt and mixin
just Cool ..MJ Colab always the best !!
welldone !!

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Crashed and burned &mdash 09/17/07 - 01:34:41 AM
Thanks Feter - the 3 of us converged to pull art rock out of Alex's electro rock!

steve

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guitar &mdash 09/18/07 - 07:23:21 PM
Thanks Feter,
I was beginning to wonder if everyone forgot I did the guitars on this track as well, not just the knob twisting, or mouse skooching as it were.....I appreciate it.

---
-Philip

[ Reply to This ]
Yeah... &mdash 09/19/07 - 10:56:06 AM